Parents work hard to protect their children. When they are young, most parents go through the process of child-proofing to keep young, adventurous children safe. Covering outlets, locking cabinets, and securing appliances and heavy furniture are just a few of the steps parents take, but many never consider the water heater, and how it can pose a risk. Aladdin Plumbing, the This Old House plumber can help you protect young children from burns.
Unfortunately, a family in the Buffalo area is dealing with the very real consequences of a water heater that was not monitored, and after the incident discovered it was heating water to 148 degrees. A young toddler was being watched by a family friend, and when he went to wash her hands in the sink, the scalding water caused second- and third-degree burns. She is now undergoing skin grafts, but will have lifelong scars and possibly limited mobility in her fingers.
“All ages can be burned in 30 seconds by a flowing liquid that is at 130 degrees. At 140 degrees, it takes only five seconds and at 160 degrees, it takes only one second,” said Mashayla Colwell, Shriners spokeswoman. “For children under the age of 5, these temperatures cause a burn in half the time.”
Adults who test the water before exposing a child to it are taking an important safety step, but it may not be enough. Children under the age of four have thinner, more sensitive skin, and will burn more easily than adults. For this reason, it is essential to take more drastic steps to ensure a child does not get burned in a sink or bathtub. First, parents should make sure their water heater is set to a maximum level of 120 degrees. Some models are easier to set than others, but an experienced plumber can help, if needed. A plumber can also install a scald protection valve, which will prevent overheated water from reaching the faucets in the home.
No parent wants to watch their child suffer from injuries, and the catastrophic consequences of a burn are particularly painful and long-lasting. If you have concerns about the safety of your water temperature and would like a plumber to help you address the problem in the Brooklyn area, contact Aladdin Plumbing, the This Old House plumber today.